Hamstring blow strikes Ameobi, Newcastle

Newcastle United will be without striker Shola Ameobi for at least a month after he sustained a hamstring injury against Wigan on Sunday.

The Nigerian-born Englishman felt for his hamstring just a few minutes after coming on as a 68th-minute substitute in the side’s 1-0 win over the Latics in the English Premier League.

Ameobi has played more times than any other player currently at the club and manager Alan Pardew said his experience and presence would be missed in the coming weeks.

“Unfortunately we lost Shola on Saturday so he’s going to be out now, we think, four to six weeks,” Pardew said.

“That’s a blow to us. He pulled a hamstring after about three minutes of coming on, and still played on which just goes to show you what sort of character he is.”

“He’s going to be a loss to us and I think our fans will see that now, how important he is when he’s not there.”

Ameobi has scored once for the Magpies this term from seven appearances with Newcastle unbeaten in the league and surprising many to occupy the fourth Champions League position after nine matches.